Reviews of Kelowna Veterinary Hospital Ltd (Veterinarian)

Merel Van Duyn

Kind and caring vet

Roseli Lopes

Terrible experience! Barely gave me information, just replying what I asked. As first time owners, we expect more care and information from the vet. Talked to the vet because I asked for, otherwise they would just take the dog inside and that's it. Then they come with the POS machine to get the payment. Not even 5 minutes for a consultation, almost $100 for nothing. Felt robbed and frustrated.

Vanessa

I'm genuinely not sure how this place has ratings as good as they are. When you walk in it stinks so badly that it's hard to stand. I'm actually not sure exactly what the smell is, I remember my first thought was that it was the same smell as when my dad was dying. The rooms are scary and depressing (much more so than other vets... not really sure how to describe) and I remember feeling really sad wondering for how many animals this cold concrete and steel room was the last room they saw. And the reason I bothered hopping on here for the review is the receptionist. Couple weeks ago I went in to pick up food and she was so slow I stood there for LITERALLY nearly an hour. (No apologies about the wait, either.) She disappeared into the back for a good 20 minutes of that at one point. My cat is diabetic so I have to buy insulin for him. It comes in 2 sizes. Usually I'd get the large bottle, but if you accidentally leave it out of the fridge the entire bottle goes bad, so my previous vet in another city used to charge me for the large bottle but give it to me in small bottles. (There's a significant price difference.) So I called in before I was going to bother driving over to check that they would do the same thing, she said yes and confirmed that last time I'd gotten 5 of the small bottles. So I drive over and when she rings it up it seems expensive so I ask to confirm its the same price - now she tells me she can't match the price (?). So I ask why she would tell me yes on the phone, just to have me drive over and not honor it. She insists she didn't even though I'm 100% certain she did. I say, "that's not right..." and shake my head. I ask if that wasn't the conversation why on earth I would buy 5 bottles at once? No answer. Her face clearly shows she knows that's exactly what that call was. She's stubborn and unapologetic. I'm like, "yeah, that's not okay, I'll buy the big bottle but then I'm switching vets cause this is enough." "You can't talk to me like this," she says. Confused I say, "like what? I haven't raised my voice or sworn," - she takes offence to what exactly here? "You know you're being rude," she says. Lol .... ? I just say, "Wow." Shake my head and walk out. I've never seen anyone be so ridiculous over getting calmly called on what was literally either their mistake (if we're being generous) - or a lie. Would've been so easy to avoid this! Either just honor what you said and match the price, or say that you misunderstood and made a mistake and apologize! Good grief. The vet seems good, and it's clear she genuinely cares about animals - but the prices aren't less than other places, and the combination of good comments about the vet and people saying it was a bit more affordable than other places was what made me choose it in the first place because diabetic cats are expensive. For the same price I'd recommend choosing a vet that has a much more comfortable office for you and your pet, and a receptionist who isn't slow, and incompetent.

Megan

Took my cat here for her first vet visit since I moved and the staff here was very kind and patient with her. Would recommend to anyone with a shy pet.

Johanna Clark

Wonderful same-day service for my cat's emergency. Lovely staff, very efficient.

Lori Dickson

Loving caring. Will not rip you off, pets come first

Karen Guy

I have been a client of this vet clinic for many years. It is small and personable and the staff always remember who you are and treat you like a friend. They are very good with the animals and are gentle with the fearful ones. High level of care and quality for the money. I highly recommend this vet clinic especially for new pet owners or pet owners with animals who haven't been seen by a vet in a while.

alanna fitzgerald

Staff was friendly and attentive. The vet, Ellen, was fantastic. They took care of my little fur baby and he came home happy and alert. We will continue to use them for all our vet needs. They we referred to me by a friend and I will refer them to everyone.

Christine Lassen

The care my pets both cats and dog receive here is amazing. They really love your animals and it shows. The prices here are very reasonable which is great. My big dog Case is super sweet but hates getting his nails cut and Kelowna Veterinary Hospital does a great job every time we bring him in. This is the only vet I ever recommend or call whenever I have a concern about any of our pets because Dr. Ellen and her team is amazing.

ALEXANDER LINKE

After another vet forgot about my appointment, Ellen took us in for a consult within 15 minutes. Thank you so much Ellen.

Elizabeth Craft

We love this veterinary clinic! We have been going here for years. Their expertise is great and they are willing to work within your budget as much as possible. We will continue bringing our pets here!

Gary Bray

Dr Ellen is favored by both of our pets and Roscoe adores her and is always happy to see her. The staff members treat our family members like theirs.

IWANTITALLyou

REGRET forever. My senior cat is dead after bringing in for help with constipation. I was given back a severely anemic, traumatized pet and by the time I got him to a good vet it was too late. My peaceful ending was stolen by this place, i AM traumatized Why dr did you prescribe dog pain killers at my aging cat? Why

heather hammock

They are super

Kim Jakku

Love them wouldn't take my baby anywhere else ☺️

Deb London

Friendly staff and great vet. Very reasonable. They truly care about the animals and definitely do not over charge. Would recommend!

Darin Neufeld

Omg i can't say enough good things, thank you so much

sarah s

Been going to this vet and vet assistant for 20 years they are excellent and I wouldn't go anywhere else thanks for all your work and truly caring about our fur babies :) excellent prices as well I don't feel like I'm being robbed when I go to the vet !

Cassandra & Brad Heinzman

UNBELIEVABLY TERRIBLE SERVICE!!! Dr. Ellen Nicklassen and her staff are not on the same page AT ALL!! My cat has been a patient since he was neutered at least 8 years ago. I have always gotten his dewormer through the office. They ask me his weight over the phone, so I weigh him and tell them and then I pick up the dewormer. THIS TIME, first of all, they couldn't find him in the system. I gave my current last name, maiden name, the cat's name...nope...just can't find us. OK, whatever. They tell me they need to have him weighed there because they haven't seen him in over a year. OK, a little frustrating because he doesn't travel well and I am quite capable of weighing him myself, but OK. We load him up, he is stressed, we get there. The receptionist comes to the door and as per Covid rules, she takes him in inside to weigh him while I wait outside. OK, whatever. She brings him back after he is weighed, tells me his weight and then says she'll be out with the dewormer. THEN, Dr. Ellen Nicklassen comes out. She is rude, right off the bat. She says she can't give me the DEWORMER without a $65 checkup. IT'S DEWORMER...routine, DEWORMER, NOT pain killer or antibiotics....DEWORMER!! I refuse to get him checked as that is NOT what I was told over the phone, so I leave with no dewormer. I drove all the way there WITH A STRESSED OUT CAT, handed him to a stranger to weigh him, because that is what they told me I had to do to get a dewormer refill, and I Ieave beyond frustrated and with no dewormer. Absolutely terrible customer service. If your staff makes a mistake or you are not on the same page with your staff, and because of said mistake, your client drives all the way to your office as per their request, with a cat, you honor the reason they drove all that way and give the flippin dewormer, and inform them that NEXT TIME, you will need to get a check-up. I will never use them again. ***Update to the veterinarian's reply below*** Take note that I have never left anything other than a 5 star review for any business on Google, which should say something. Firstly, I never once said that I had been to see the vet within the last year nor did I imply and such thing. My issue is not about spending the money to have a check-up done, it is the principal of being told that it is their policy, that if my cat hadn't been seen in over a year, I had to bring him in to be weighed, which I did, and was still denied the dewormer and told a completely different "policy" once I arrived with my cat. Now maybe, it isn't that the staff and vet are not on the same page and this "miscommunication" that we assume is happening, is actually the vet and staff TRAPPING clients to have to pay for a check-up. Well I was not falling for it, not because of the money, but because of the principal. The receptionist was absolutely nice enough (other than not providing the proper information), but the vet was NEVER "POLITE" but was entitled, bitter and DOWNRIGHT RUDE, the second she came out the door, like she had a big ol' chip on her shoulder. WHY? I have no IDEA!! Because of this immediate demeanor, there was NO WAY that I was going to fall into this trap and have my cat checked there. If I had been told over the phone initially that their policy had changed, and my cat needs to be checked first, FINE, but that is not the case. I have since booked a check-up for my cat at a different vet, where I am happy to pay for the visit, as I understand that going to a different vet clinic means seeing the cat first. I am, in fact, paying more for this check-up than what Dr. Ellen Nicklassen quoted me because well, you get what you pay for people. I know now that I will be treated fairly, get the proper information and will not be treated instantly like I am a negligent pet owner, especially seeing as many of our pets, house and farm, are rescues. Anyone who knows us, knows how every one of our animals is a part of our family and is treated as such.

okanagan ADV

The people here are always amazing! We have had all of our pets here for years. Our current dog just loves them and I knew she is well care for!

Jan Matters

They were not only really nice and quick at getting brat my cat in but stitched him up good and let me do payments for the emergency medical that he needed for stitching his chin up because of his fight or accident he got in to.

Sloan

I recently moved to Kelowna and needed a new vet and tried out this one because of the Google reviews and the price point. The vet really was great that I dealt with but it was NOT worth the hour wait, the cramped waiting room, the old dingy building, the dirty snake cage on display, or the horrible smell the staff were unfortunately used to. There was only one desk staff which never works for a veterinary setting as not everyone can be helped. Even after waiting an hour and finally seeing the vet I had to wait an additional 15 minutes just to get my single prescription for my dog which came in a box so it shouldn't take an excess amount of time like counting out pills may. Extremely disappointed, will be looking elsewhere for my veterinary needs. Only giving this more than a single star because the vet herself was good .

Brenda VanDenHam

We are very pleased with the Laser therapy we are presently having done our our dog. Our Cocker was limping a lot and having difficulties getting up from her bed in the mornings, not really enjoying her walks and didn't seem like she had much interest in playing. Since we started the Laser therapy almost 2 months ago we have noticed definite improvements. She now has more energy, walks a way better and her limping has dramatically lessened. She wants to play more and chase her ball. She will be 16 in April. I would highly recommend Laser Therapy for your dog too!

Laurie Barton

Wonderful, caring, compassionate staff !!!!! Love it here ❤️

Kaitlin Benedict

After a really poor experience at another vet in Kelowna with our last dog we decided to switch vets when we adopted the newest addition to the family. Dr. Ellen and her team truly care about your pets and that's evident the moment you walk in the door. When we first adopted our dog she was quite overweight but Dr. Ellen helped us figure out the right weight loss and feeding plan to get her down to a healthy weight. We were never pressured into buying any special food which I really appreciated. We've been fortunate so far that we haven't had to come in for any major issues but I know if that ever happens, we'll be well taken care of here.

Warren H

Are they taking great care of our pets. I'm glad they've been there to help us

Ward Fitzpatrick

A very caring place for your pet's health care

Dinora Roland

They take interest on our pets

Relentless Rose Reviews

Pets are endearing little creatures. Perhaps how they can’t speak for themselves make them that much more vulnerable. Or maybe it’s their devoted loyalty, happiest in the company of their owner (generally speaking). A vet can play a big role in their wellbeing. I’ve been going to the @kelownavethospital since I first got my infamous cat, Jacob the born blind feline. Jacob was a barn cat with a number of issues that the child Rose, insisted on rescuing. Since he was just a few weeks old as a playful kitten, to now the later years of senile hood, 17 years later to be exact - Kelowna Vet Hospital has happily tended to his every need. From yearly dental visits, to operating on his embellical hernia & everything in between. Nearly two decades later, married with kids, I still go here. Not just for Jacob, but for our energetic twin corso pups who seem to get into EVERYTHING. A potentially costly habit. For some cases when out of the area or regular business hours, we (grudgingly) brought our pups to a few vets around the Okanagan. Each reminding me how rare of a vet Dr Nicklassen really is. She is the first vet I have met that is their for your animals, to fix or help. She doesn’t treat it as a financial opportunity with the outrageous, better yet, ridiculous costs. Questions are answered & a referral was made when needed. I don’t ever feel left in the dark or unsure of what’s going on with my animal. Unlike other vets where it felt like their guess was as good as mine. She is personable. Knowing each animal & owner. She is patient with every animal, including my viciously darling Jacob. Most importantly I trust her. I trust her opinion & her skill. I know out of anyone out there, Dr Nicklassen will make every effort for the well-being of our animals.

christina brochu

They did a great job on the spay Thank you looking after Stormi we will back soon

Daryl Coffey

They are amazing

Gwen Nordstrom

Best Vet we've had in years! She truly cares and doesn't over charge or recommend unnecessary tests! ---- We were previously with the same vet for 15 years, but after many changes to their practice and a few very negative experiences we began looking for a new vet! We're very fortunate to have found Dr. Ellen Nicklassen!

David Sergl

UPDATE: It's no secret that I am very impressed with Dr. Ellen and her team but after taking my pup to see her during the pandemic, well... I was blown away! Everyone's safety was clearly first and foremost with the team and, as usual, Dr. Ellen was leading by example! The service was outstanding and I honestly can't say enough good about the Kelowna Veterinary Hospital! This review is LONG overdue. We have taken my fur family to Dr. Ellen for just under two years and have always been impressed with the service we have received from her and the team! Dr. Ellen is knowledgeable and compassionate when dealing with both her patients and their fur-less parents. I would highly recommend Kelowna Veterinary Hospital.

hedley powell

I switched to this hospital a few years back and am so glad I did. They are so compassionate, kind, inexpensive and definitely go the extra mile. I wouldn't dream of taking my pets anywhere else. They are the best so if you are looking for a vet for your pets this is the place to go. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Barb and Ellen and the rest of your team, you are the best ! Misty Powell :)

Marilea Sharpe

Terrible service rude staff and Dr Ellen a total rip off refused to give me my dogs medical records or total amount I paid for surgeries that didn't work. I've complained not only to the clinic that hung up on me several times but the vet authority. Parking is terrible. They did not keep proper accounting of prepaid laser therapies. Don't go there!

Meghan Robinson

Absolutely amazing. The staff was so caring and truly had my boy Norton's best interest at heart. We've decided to move our other animals there for care also. They were very helpful and attentive.

Entr0pyDee “Entr0pyDee”

Dr. Ellen is incredibly down to earth and invested in our pets. She takes the time to understand circumstances surrounding each animal and give them exactly the care they need, even if it means less time for herself. I cannot think of a more empathetic person for these animals and they deserve her care.

Donna Krrr

BEEN GOING HERE FOR 20 YEARS. THIS OFFICE IS COMPSIONATE AND GENUINELY CARING.

Benjamin Lee

I am a volunteer for AlleyCATS Alliance which is a non-profit society that spays and neuters cats so they don't keep making more little ones! The wonderful staff at Kelowna Vet Hospital donate their valuable time and resources to help us accomplish our goals of catch and release, as well as re-homing suitable cats and kittens. Don't forget to spay and neuter your animals!

Angela KoS

The most amazing team at Kelowna Veterinary hospital! Kind, Caring, informative and extremely Patient and Understanding ! They have taken care of our entire family's pets for about 20 years now. There's no where else I'd rather take my fur babies !! THANK you to the staff !

V M

Beware, This is not the place.

Leo Bartels

I've only had one visit. My dog got attacked and bit. They got me in within a few hours, only charged me the basic consolidation fee and didn't over recommend medications which I really like. Very friendly. Affordable. I recommend.

Nickey Tourigny

Loved it! Ellen and her amazing staff removed a tumor on my fish, a plecko and she is loving her life and living it so comfortably now!!

Kai Hei

Amazing staff, super knowledgeable and friendly. Got me in the same day and my little man was handled with care ❤️ Highly recommend

Val Read

They say pets have a way of letting you know when it's time to say goodbye & that is exactly what happened to us with our precious 12 yr old Scout. It was on her timetable not ours, she wanted to go sooner than we had expected. Wanting Scout to pass at home made "her timetable" a challenge on short notice to find a vet able to come to our home. That is when we happened on Dr Ellen Nicklassen who had never met Scout yet made time in her day for us. We cannot thank Dr Ellen enough. With her professional respectful manner & compassion Dr Ellen managed to transform an incredibly sad situation into a serene loving moment. Scouts passing was so peaceful & beautiful. Thank you

A.m. Price

Dr. Ellen Is a genuine and caring veterinarian. Who is willing to take on whatever challenges . Come through the door.

Sue Beagle

Awesome Vet. I highly recommend.

Mocean Friercats

All the vets and assistants are wonderful. They go the extra mile, charge lower fees, and don't try to upsell to goods or services that aren't necessary.

Adam Shannon

Friendly, quality service. Got my cat in right away and helped him immediately. Came up with a plan to improve his health long term and are committed to the work they do. I appreciate the team there and will be a returning client based off my experience.

KELOWNA Love

Dr. Ellen and staff are wonderful!

wanda scheer

I took my furry cat there to be shaved. Lovely job! He looks so handsome again. Better and cheaper than any groomer I've been to. Thanks a million, you guys are the best!

Leslie Smith

Dr.Ellen is fantastic!

Kathleen Stroeder

Dr. Ellen Nicklassen and staff are the best

Kelsey O

Great service and friendly advice. They truly care about the well being of animals and made the experience very easy. Would recommend!

Sonya Patten

Dr.Ellen was very compassionate and kind when we had to put our beloved dog to sleep. She helped us to make the right decision to do what was best for Jack.

Laird Bowie

Thank you!

Helena Coney

No word of a lie, best experience. Everyone is friendly, polite and professional. They genuinely care about your pet and are beyond reasonable. My cat was sick and after the first visit, all other visits were a quick check in to make sure things were going well at no cost. I don't know why I even went anywhere else!

Robyn Van Norman

I have never had a veterinary clinic that offers such low prices and such amazing service! I began taking my dog there before the former owner passed away and she insisted I come back for a free follow-up visit for a minor ear infection. The staff now are amazing as well. They truly care about the health of your pet and don't charge an absorbent amount. I highly recommend this very clinic! ????????????

jamie good

Thank you for seeing our special boy today without an appointment. We are eternally grateful to all of you for your care and compassion.

Patricia Giles

Amazing vets, staff and prices. Highly recommend. Love this place. They care about animals and my cat loved all of them.

Zach Littau

Super kind staff and very accommodating, Dr. did a great job checking out my lizard day of where everywhere else wouldn't. It's great to see how much they all care.

Ariel Smith

We continue to be impressed by Dr. Ellen, Dr. Brytann and the rest of the lovely staff. Not only are they always amazing with our anxious dog, but Dr. Ellen recently went absolutely above and beyond to help another one of our sick pets, when no other emergency vet would even answer the phone. They are incredible and we are so lucky to have them all looking after our Zoo <3 They really take the time to get to know your pets, provide updates, and answer all questions.

kathi meyn

Great care team and very compassionate! When my dog had oral cancer, the staff assisted me with his palliative care, euthanasia and after care. I will continue to take my fur babies to Dr Nicklassen!

Justice Budd

I Love dr Ellen she's amazing. I will recommend her to everyone!

Ty Flood

Professional and pleasant front end staff. Dr Ellen was incredible, it's nice to see an individual that has found her calling because being a Vet is clearly hers. She was gentle, patient and kind to our dog. Thank you so much!

Evan Sigalas

Excellent- Professional- Take Great Care of my Three Cats. Very Knowledgeable- Thanks Dr. ELLEN

Francesca Mccallen

Phoned to inquire about food availability and wanted to ask if accepting new clients. Literally hung up on me when I said I wasn't a present client. If they are this rude on the phone who knows how they are in person.

Gina Throuw

I had a great experience with Kelowna Veterinary Hospital. They took great care of my cat and my bearded dragon. Highly recommended to all my friends, and I will be returning.

Chris dewy

Super compassionate...loved the service, atmosphere, and the staff were amazing. Dr Ellen really cares about you, your pets, and your time!! Best in town!!

Munira Murrey

Words can’t express how grateful I am to Dr Ellen Nicklassen for seeing my cat at very short notice and performing immediate surgery that resulted in saving her life. She is an amazing vet and so thoughtful and caring. I have been taking my pets to the Kelowna Veterinary Hospital for the past thirty years and have always found the vets and staff to be polite, gentle with my pets and extremely efficient. They don’t “rip you off” with exorbitant fees and they provide exceptional service. I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking my pets anywhere else.

Dean Cook

They over charge inacurate about dates for puppies very un proffesinaland attitude highly suggest not to use

Charles Ingoldsby

A year ago during a vacation in Kelowna our dog became very ill. Ellen was the Doctor on that day and she was so kind and compassionate towards our sick dog that had a very difficult diagnosis. This included calls back and forth with our vet in Calgary and a variety of lab tests. This year while back in Kelowna our dog took a turn for the worst and we had to put him down. Fortunately Ellen was the Doctor in that day as well. Being from out of town made this a difficult situation but she was just excellent, she even kept the clinic open late as we rushed him in from out of town and answered all of our questions even though I'm sure she would have rather been at home. These people really care about the animals and their owners. I would recommend them every day all day and Dr. Ellen is just the best!

Jenni Peters

Exceptional care! Compassionate, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Dr. Ellen Nicklassen is the veterinarian I recommend.

Leah Hamel

I have been taking all my animals here since i was a kid. They are amazing and super nice and really understanding. I highly recommend them!

Cindy McKay

Your pets are your family. Dr. Ellen and her wonderful Team treat your pets as their own family members.

Justin Isley

Absolutely terrible experience bringing my dog there for the first time. Brought my dog for a nail trim and they managed to hurt my dog and cut her. Why even bring your dog here to get their nails cut if u can do it yourself with a safer result. Nevermind the fact we still paid full price for a nail cut that injured my dog. This isnt a suprise interaction because i saw them mix up 3 different peoples medicine and plenty of unhappy people were waiting outside,No apology or anything.

Ellen Wutzke

Awesome vet Dr. Ellen Super honest and helpful

Karen Foster

Was able to get in quickly. Very caring and friendly Staff. Great advice from the Dr. will definitely be back. Thank you

Pat Worthy

great people

Sarah Wilson

I was recommended to come here after an uncomfortable experience at another vet with my new puppy. Was incredibly pleased and happy with my visit! Very friendly and kind. She got me in last minute when my situation changed and I had to leave town suddenly. Very reasonable rates, all around was pleased with every aspect of our care. It will definitely be our new place to go and to recommend to others! Thank you!!!

Joanne Hortensius

Took my guinea pigs in for a nail trim. Excellent service as always.

Samara Tocher

Ellen and her team are fantastic, always caring. There’s never any pressure to spend a ton of money like other vets I’ve been to in Kelowna. She will tell you what you need to do and will work with you to make sure you feel comfortable with everything that needs to happen and makes sure you understand and know your options. It’s great to have a vet you don’t feel dreadful calling because you know she’s going to take care of your pets and the fees are very reasonable. Highly recommended!!!

Debbie Bryan

My experience with Dr. Ellen and her staff has been nothing but outstanding. They have been very professional and caring with every visit. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Ellen and her staff.

Clayton Armstrong

Best Vet's and staff I have ever dealt with.

Louise F

Kelowna Veterinary Hospital is honestly the best small animal clinic ever! They always go that extra mile. Dr.Ellen and her staff are very knowledgeable and compassionate. I trust them implicitly!

R lenza

I have been very disappointed with this clinic. They have you wait outside while your pet is inside. Then bring out your pet and ask for payment. There is no conversation with the vet whatsoever. When I asked questions, the tech kept going inside to ask the vet and responded with “it’s the same” or “she said he is fine.” I am currently at another vet right now and I was able to come inside and speak with the vet directly. When paying so much money I expect the vet to speak with you. They are also very disorganized.

Bevan Jefferies

Woof woof